Wild, Wild East: The Great Saudi Outdoors

Saudi Arabia is known for its deserts, with their shifting sand dunes and horizon-stretching plateaus. But if you’ve never visited you might not know about its varied landscapes, lush greenery, and hidden oases that offer a stark contrast to the Saudi you think you know. Whether you’re vacationing or planning on building a life in the Kingdom, this handy list of activities and places to explore is here to give you a true glimpse into the Kingdom of adventure.  

Disclaimer: the practical stuff 

Saudi Arabia is more than three times the size of Texas, and it can be daunting for first-timers. But with airports in all the major cities, an extensive highway system, and a growing railway network it’s quick, affordable and easy to explore the Kingdom’s natural wonders and still  have more to discover next time around. It’s always wise to do your research, pick activities that suit your interests and budget and to have a local guide to help you get the most out of your stay.  

Here’s your guide to some of the best experiences to be had in Saudi Arabia. 

1. CampingThere’s no better way to get away from it all than with a campfire and some friends, surrounded by nature. You may be thinking of summers spent roasting marshmallows in the forest, but camping in the Saudi desert is a whole new experience. Locals call this a kashta, camping in the desert in large tents with friends or family with plenty of food and activities. Al Araqana Dunes is a favorite kashta spot among locals worth seeing. Giant, golden-red sand dunes seem to stretch out into infinity, and when the sun begins to set, they glow with a picturesque fiery beauty. Once you’ve got your campfire roaring, there’s nothing like wrapping up warm and gazing at the star-studded night sky.
2. Dune bashingThis is one for the thrill-seekers! Skilled local guides take you on a wild ride over the dunes in a 4X4 SUV, an unforgettable adventure, best experienced at the Rub’ Al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, which spans the southeast portion of the Kingdom. Just under three hours’ drive from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s largest desert is an adventurer’s paradise, with both crescent- and dome-shaped dunes towering across the horizon. If you’re planning to stay a while, (and if you’re lucky) you might even spot the rare Arabian oryx or gazelle, and you can also bundle a camping trip or sandboarding to make the most of your time in the desert dunes of the Empty Quarter.

   

3. Bikepacking
   
   Cycling is an increasingly popular pastime for Saudis, and the growing number of cycling groups can help you find the most interesting trails to explore and connect you with likeminded people. There is no better place to start riding than in the ancient oasis city of AlUla, easily reachable via direct flights from all the major Saudi cities. Once you get there, you can join the AlUla Amateurs Cycling Tour and go on an unforgettable journey that takes you from AlUla – with its massive rock formations, lush oasis, and ancient inscriptions – to Hegra, where monumental ancient architecture is literally built into the rockface. With plenty of sights and guided tours on both ends, it’s a voyage into the past like no other.

   

4. Hiking
   
   Whether you’re an advanced hiker or just starting out, Saudi has something for you. A dramatic, continuous cliff range, and panoramic views color your hike to the Edge of the World, a bold name given to the summit of Fihrayn Mountain. And for the advanced hikers looking for a challenge, Wadi Lajab  in the southwest is one of the most rewarding trails, aptly nicknamed “heaven in the desert.” Nestled between two green mountains, the wide canyon leads you to a gorgeous, green oasis, with a meandering stream and diverse wildlife all around – Your friends will envy your social media feed for weeks.

   

5. ZipliningThere’s nothing like the rush of the wind against your face as you soar through a clear blue sky, and adrenaline-junkies have been flocking to the Raghadan Forest Park in the southwest of the Kingdom to get their hit from a ziplining experience like no other. You can glide on a near-kilometer long zipline where stunning views of the green Sarawat Mountains frame the forest’s horizon, and trainers are on hand to provide you with suitable equipment before you take this majestic plunge. You can round off your thrill-seeking by taking in the natural beauty of the emerald-green forest, and a visit to nearby Al-Taraf village, with its cafes, exhibitions and a zoo.
   
6. Rock Climbing
   
   Thanks to the efforts of local rock climbers, there are more and more approved climbing routes to explore in the southwestern provinces. Tanomah in Aseer and Wadi Lajab in Jazan in particular are unmissable. Tall mountain slopes, crystal blue waterfalls, lush juniper forests and breathtaking views await nature and adventure enthusiasts who want to discover Saudi’s lesser-known verdant landscapes.

   

7. Oasis Wonders
   
   Al-Ahsa Oasis is the largest in the world, and its estimated 2.5 million date trees are a stunning sight to behold. Central to the Eastern Province’s history, Al-Ahsa is so much more than a natural wonder, with evidence showing that it’s also one of the oldest human settlements in the region, thanks to deep freshwater springs you can still find today. Not too far away, you can also see Al Asfar Lake, which springs seemingly out of nowhere amid the sand dunes. Now a nature reserve, Al Asfar is home to migratory birds, as well as fish and turtles, and remains a popular winter camping destination.

   

8. Beach Holiday
   
   At first glance, the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the Ummahat Islands look like something out of a Caribbean holiday brochure, but this is in fact the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. One of the most exciting additions to the island is Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton reserve which couples your luxurious beach stay with a nature sanctuary that preserves the local environment, including the colorful native coral reefs. Whether you’re kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, or simply lounging by the pool, the experience at Nujuma is unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom
   
9. Heritage
   
   A short half-hour drive south from AlUla, Hegra was once a hidden architectural gem, but this fascinating window into Saudi’s ancient past is now easily accessible. The massive rock formations that spring from the desert house 110 tombs that date back more than 2,000 years. The monumental facades that decorate the tombs combine architectural styles from the East and West unlike anywhere else, highlighting this region’s place at the center of the ancient world. The monumental Tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza is the most impressive, but don’t miss Jabal Banat, one of Hegra’s largest tomb clusters with 29 tombs carved into the rock, many of which were commissioned by or dedicated to women. Explore the timeless inscriptions of important historical figures, like Hinat, a wealthy woman who lived in the first century AD, showcased at the Hegra Welcome Center.